Written Answers Nos. 150-174
150. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on assessments of need waiting lists in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a priority for the Government.
There has been intensive work by the Department and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need to children and their families.
Children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and families exploring all options to access services for their child.
Applications for Assessment of Need have risen from 4,700 applications in 2020 to over 13,000 in 2025. Unfortunately, this demand is outpacing the capacity of the system to respond.
As a result, HSE data shows that the number of applications over for completion rose to over 20,200 nationally by the end of last year. This is an unacceptable situation and one that must be addressed.
HSE data is not available by county, it is provided at Regional Health Area (RHA) and Local Health Office (LHO) level. The most recent HSE data reports 1,171 AON reports as overdue for completion in Meath LHO at the end of 2025.
These numbers are stark, and each one represents a child or young person. I want to see this situation change so that families do not have to wait so long for their AON application to be processed.
Change is happening. We have seen a notable increase in the number of completed AON reports nationally over the past two years. Over 5,900 reports were completed in 2025 – a 43% increase compared to 2024, and an 85% increase compared to 2023.
We need to see more. That is why, in December 2025, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make it more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment.
I want to reassure parents that any proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They will also not alter the six-month timeline in the Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published its report, following pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and the Department is considering its recommendations. An FAQ document (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/) has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes.
I am determined that improvements to the AON process will result in a noticeable reduction in waiting times for children and their families across the country.
151. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has overspent on the research and development project on a National Childcare Agency; and if she will outline amount of overspent. [28590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA competitive process was undertaken by the Department in order to procure business and management consultancy services in relation to the planning and design phase of the National Early Learning and Childcare Agency. The Department engaged independent consultants Indecon in December 2023, to undertake this phase of wok. The total fixed project fee for the term of the contract awarded was €351,104, inclusive of VAT. This was the amount paid out to the successful contractor in relation to the work on this phase of the project.
All other spend including the cost of staging 13 consultation events throughout the country, facilitation services and summary findings provided by Thinkpeople, 13 Programme Oversight Board meetings and other ancillary costs related to the project accounts for the remainder of the total spend which was €617,000.
In each year of the work on the project, the spending levels have been under the allocated budget for that year.
152. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the timeframe for the Government moving towards the target of €200 per month for childcare costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the progression towards €200 per month childcare. [29153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 203 together.
I have always been clear in communicating that the €200 per month commitment is over the lifetime of this Government. While Shaping the Future, the Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report, sets out the next steps towards this ambition, I have not waited until now to take action. In September 2025, maximum fee caps were extended to all Partner Services in Core Funding. Budget 2026 also enables Core Funding to continue to support fee-control measures. It will ensure fees remain at 2021 levels for a majority of providers.
A central objective of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees to an upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. However, this objective cannot be achieved through the National Childcare Scheme alone. The fee-freeze and maximum fee-caps required for Core Funding have been key to the progress in recent years in making early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services more affordable.
The Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future sets out actions which will be carried out in 2026 using existing policy tools. 2026 actions on affordability will include further reduction in some of the highest fees paid by parents by lowering the maximum fees that Core Funding Partner Services can charge. In addition, from autumn 2026 we will reduce fees for lower-income families through the National Childcare Scheme.
Specifically in relation to the National Childcare Scheme, Phase 1 of Shaping the Future commits to:
• An increase to the lower (base) income threshold of the income-assessed subsidy from €26,000 to €34,000, to ensure that families with incomes below the relative income poverty line receive the maximum subsidies.
• An increase to the upper income threshold (income limit) of the income-assessed subsidy from €60,000 to €68,000, to extend income-assessed subsidies to more families.
• An increase to the multiple child deduction (MCD) component of the income-assessed subsidy for families with two children under the age of 15 from €4,300 to €5,500, and for families with three or more children under the age of 15 from €8,600 to €11,000
Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 to 2029. While we need to make progress quickly, the actions we take must be sustainable, underpinned by public consultation and research, and delivered in a way that supports families, the workforce and service providers. That is why a broad public consultation process is currently underway. An online survey has been completed, with more than 11,000 responses. Approximately 50 local consultation events are taking place between the 20 - 30 April 2026 and are being organised with the City and County Childcare Committees.
Results of this consultation process, as well as additional analysis, will inform Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 to 2029. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for the broad public consultation and analysis on longer-term actions, which will be set out in a second report, to be published by the end of 2026.
153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the mechanism by which it is ensured that unaccompanied minors seeking international protection are not accommodated alongside those for whom age has not been verified. [28423/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legal basis for undertaking age assessments for unaccompanied minors claiming international protection is set out under the International Protection Act 2015, and responsibility for such assessments lie with the Minister for Justice and the International Protection Office.
Section 14 of the International Protection Act 2015 is the main legislative provision underpinning referrals by immigration authorities to Tulsa for unaccompanied minors.
When Tusla receives such a referral, the 2015 Act requires Tusla to apply a presumption of minority for that applicant.
In order to fulfil its statutory responsibility to children in need of care and protection, Tusla has a role in undertaking an intake eligibility assessment for unaccompanied minors to determine if they require services from the separated children’s team.
Tusla has advised that it has established a specific, registered Children's Residential Centre to accommodate young people who are in the process of assessment to determine eligibility based on age, and this serves to minimise potential risk to children and young people. The centre is registered by Tusla's Alternative Care Inspection and Monitoring Service and is subject to ongoing assessment of compliance with ACIMS. Tusla has said that all children and young people residing in this service have a case worker assigned to them pending the completion of their eligibility assessment.
It is important to recognise that there has been a 500% increase in arrivals of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) entering the State since 2022, with the vast majority of arrivals aged 16 or 17 years of age.
This has impacted greatly on Tusla’s ability to provide accommodation and supports to unaccompanied minors entering Ireland seeking the protection of the State. As part of Budget 2026 Tusla SCSIP services has received an additional €51m for 2026 relating to projected increased costs for SCSIP residential placements, staffing and pay, forecast increase in arrivals and the requirements for supports and services in SCSIP accommodation centres. This brings the total funding received for 2026 to €153m.
In addition, I can advise that the Department is working with Tusla and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on the International Protection Bill under the EU Migration Pact as it relates to unaccompanied minors, including work on provisions relating to age assessments. This will ensure that a robust age verification process is operated under the new legislation.
It is envisaged that the Bill shall provide for a robust and clear statutory framework for both the reception and placement of unaccompanied minors and the associated age assessment processes.
154. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality how her Department is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Health, as well as local authorities and the HSE, to ensure that adults with intellectual disabilities can access homes that meet their needs within their own communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to advance the rights and improve the lives of people with disabilities, including:
• The development of a multi-year capital plan for investment in residential and independent living options for both adults and children, while continuing to implement the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings Strategy.
• Addressing waiting lists for specialist disability services by implementation of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-6, and resourcing and delivering on its targets.
The Programme for Government recognises the requirement for a whole-of-government approach to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
In 2025, the Department for Children, Disability and Equality published the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with input from disabled people and representative organisations on the issues that matter the most to them.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will work in collaboration with a number of other Departments and agencies including the HSE and Local Authorities, to advance Pillar 3 of the Strategy, which outlines a collective approach to provide a clear pathway for disabled people to access the supports they require to live independently and address societal barriers that impact on their daily lives.
Availability of suitable housing is particularly important in the delivery of residential supports.
The implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 are central to ensuring independent living housing outcomes for disabled people throughout Ireland. The provision of the housing for disabled people in conjunction with the care (health and social care) supports is the cornerstone of supporting independent living for disabled people. The Health Service Executive (HSE), under the auspices of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (in the case of physical, intellectual and sensory disability), and the Department of Health (in the case of mental health disability), is responsible for funding the provision of care support services by disability service providers.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, DCDE, is engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Authority, and the HSE, to explore means of responding to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements.
At national level, implementation and monitoring of the Strategy is driven by the National Implementation Steering Group (NISG) (chaired by the Housing Agency) with membership from key Departments and Agencies and both Disabled Persons Organisations and umbrella disability groups.
At the regional level, a new regional structure operating between the national and local structures was established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027. Significantly, these new Regional Interagency Groups (RIGs) are based on the HSE Health Regions to ensure cooperation and collaboration at an operational local level bringing together both the local authority and HSE dedicated housing representatives for both disability and mental health services. These Groups also aim to bring consistency across their organisations and evaluate any pilot structures or process progress in their area.
At local level, all local authorities have established Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) whose role is to put in place strategic plans for housing for disabled people and to monitor activity under these plans and are therefore a key driver of the provision of housing for disabled people at local level. HDSGs facilitate integrated, aligned and timely responses to the housing needs of disabled people through an interagency collaboration framework to drive progress at the local level. Membership of the HDSGs includes local authority Director of Housing Services, HSE, Disabled Persons Organisations, organisations for disabled people including service providers, and Approved Housing Body sector.
In addition, a number of HSE regions have appointed dedicated Housing Coordinators to assist with residential placement planning and identifying housing options for people with all levels of disability.
155. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a formal cross-departmental structure is in place between her Department, the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support the delivery of residential placements for persons with intellectual disabilities in north Dublin; the timelines or targets in place in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29158/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to advance the rights and improve the lives of people with disabilities, including:
• The development of a multi-year capital plan for investment in residential and independent living options for both adults and children, while continuing to implement the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings Strategy.
• Addressing waiting lists for specialist disability services by implementation of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-6, and resourcing and delivering on its targets.
The Programme for Government recognises the requirement for a whole-of-government approach to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
In 2025, the Department for Children, Disability and Equality published the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with input from disabled people and representative organisations on the issues that matter the most to them.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will work in collaboration with a number of other Departments and agencies including the HSE and Local Authorities, to advance Pillar 3 of the Strategy, which outlines a collective approach to provide a clear pathway for disabled people to access the supports they require to live independently and address societal barriers that impact on their daily lives.
Availability of suitable housing is particularly important in the delivery of residential supports.
The implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 are central to ensuring independent living housing outcomes for disabled people throughout Ireland. The provision of the housing for disabled people in conjunction with the care (health and social care) supports is the cornerstone of supporting independent living for disabled people. The Health Service Executive (HSE), under the auspices of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (in the case of physical, intellectual and sensory disability), and the Department of Health (in the case of mental health disability), is responsible for funding the provision of care support services by disability service providers.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, DCDE, is engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Authority, and the HSE, to explore means of responding to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements.
At national level, implementation and monitoring of the Strategy is driven by the National Implementation Steering Group (NISG) (chaired by the Housing Agency) with membership from key Departments and Agencies and both Disabled Persons Organisations and umbrella disability groups.
At the regional level, a new regional structure operating between the national and local structures was established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027. Significantly, these new Regional Interagency Groups (RIGs) are based on the HSE Health Regions to ensure cooperation and collaboration at an operational local level bringing together both the local authority and HSE dedicated housing representatives for both disability and mental health services. These Groups also aim to bring consistency across their organisations and evaluate any pilot structures or process progress in their area.
At local level, all local authorities have established Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) whose role is to put in place strategic plans for housing for disabled people and to monitor activity under these plans and are therefore a key driver of the provision of housing for disabled people at local level. HDSGs facilitate integrated, aligned and timely responses to the housing needs of disabled people through an interagency collaboration framework to drive progress at the local level. Membership of the HDSGs includes local authority Director of Housing Services, HSE, Disabled Persons Organisations, organisations for disabled people including service providers, and Approved Housing Body sector.
156. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is progressing a plan to provide State-run childcare. [29154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on progress in relation to the State's acquisition of childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28461/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of and the timelines for when the first State-led childcare services will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29112/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 180 and 198 together.
In January, I announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare up to 2030. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the buildings, depending on requirements.
The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.
The Department is assessing sites and buildings and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects, but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched which, along with projects which the Department was aware of prior to the programme launching, includes 82 potential projects across the country to date.
These projects are in very different stages of development. Some relate to existing buildings ready to occupy or fit out, while others are longer-term prospects for future years.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
157. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to explain the difference in early years disability support funding between CHO8 Louth/Meath and CHO1 Cavan/Monaghan, particularly regarding funded preschool and after school intervention places for children with additional needs; the reason CHO1 funds specialised services in some facilities, including 1:1 supports, while CHO8 offers no equivalent pathway for children in Louth; the basis for refusing cross CHO funding where no suitable local service exists; the steps that will be taken to ensure children in Louth have equal access to early intervention supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
158. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she plans to allocate additional therapy staff to disability services in Mayo to address gaps in occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29061/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
159. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when her Department will end the practise of people under 65 years-of-age living inappropriately in nursing homes designed for care of older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question.
This Government acknowledges that a nursing home can be an appropriate care option where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement that cannot be supported in the person’s home.
However, as identified in the Ombudsman Report “Wasted Lives: Time for a better future for younger people in Nursing Homes,” for the majority of people under the age of 65 (U65), nursing homes are not an appropriate placement and alternative, more sustainable supported living solutions are needed to give them greater independence and choice in their daily lives.
In response to the Ombudsman’s report, the HSE is co-ordinating a programme of work at both the Health Regions (RHA) operational and at national levels, to progressively address the Wasted Lives Report review and implement the report’s recommendations for which the HSE has accountability.
The HSE advises that at national level, there is an U65 Programme Office and the Implementation Project Team. The implementation programme has been divided into 5 work streams with 5 work stream leads.
The work streams are as follows:
1. Quality of life and model of service development – “A Place to Call Home”
2. Funding and personal finances
3. Services access and navigation
4. Informed consent policy and human rights
5. NH U65 survey (previously SRF project)
At local Health Regions/CHOs, there is an identified U65 lead per CHO, who is responsible for progressing U65s transitions and working with individual disability case managers.
The Programme for Government commits to continue to work to end the practice of placing young people with disabilities in nursing homes. In recognition of this commitment Budget 2026 allocated a record €10m to the under 65s work programme. As outlined in the HSE’s 2025 National Service Plan, €8m of this funding will enable 45 people who are inappropriately placed in a nursing home to transition to more appropriate living arrangements.
The remaining €2m will provide Enhanced Quality of Life Supports (EQLS) to those who remain in nursing home settings. In addition, the U65 programme has also been awarded Dormant Account Funding for 2026 of €736k. This funding will be directed towards once off funding for EQLS.
EQLS are aimed at improving an individual’s quality of daily life in a nursing home, increasing social access and where appropriate, to support the pre-transition work, to help individuals prepare for a move back into the community.
Specifically, these EQLS supports range from iPads, Laptops, Audio Books & Headphones, TV in own room, Motorised Wheelchairs, Mobility deceives, Communication devices, Exercise Bikes, PA, Therapeutic Supports, Allied supports e.g. Dentistry, Transport, Support Chairs etc.
The HSE advises that based on February 2026 data from the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), there were 1,186 people under the age of 65 residing in nursing homes. This is the lowest number since the start of the U65 programme, following a decreasing trend from July 2025 onwards.
At end of February 2026, the U65 programme has enabled a total of 127 disabled persons, under the age of 65, who were residing in nursing homes to move into more appropriate community settings since the start of the programme in 2021.
Additionally, over 300 individuals have received additional enhanced quality of life supports (EQLS), while they are currently continuing their placement in a Nursing Home.
The HSE advise that based on data from the U65 Operational Tracker, the majority of those continuing a Nursing Home placement due to their current personal will and preference (which Disability Services review regularly in recognition that will and preference may change with time).
A further cohort will remain due to their assessment of needs requirements. Such complex medical and social care needs may require intensive nursing and medical care that cannot be provided in a home setting or by family members.
Preventing entry to nursing home facilities requires a model of service that supports the changing needs of individuals and allows them to continue to live a life of their choosing in the community.
Therefore, the HSE along with Voluntary and Private organisations are providing a variety of supports to people with disabilities including Personal Assistants, peer supports, respite, day services, home supports, Advocacy and Digital and Assistive Technology. These supports are governed by a diverse range of health and social care policies and ongoing programmes and aim to enable young persons from entering nursing homes where possible.
The main source of admissions of people under the age of under 65 in to nursing homes is discharges from acute hospital settings where the individual has a complex medical need such as an acquired brain injury. HSE data shows the impact that wider policies have on the numbers of U65s in Nursing Homes, with particular focus on the Acute Hospital winter discharge programme and its sustained focus on increased discharge rates and turnaround times from Acute hospitals.
Due to the work of the Under 65s Integrated Steering Committee and project team, there is a greater awareness across HSE Acutes, Older Persons and Disability services of the need to prevent people under the age of 65 from being placed in Nursing Homes.
The National Clinical Programme for People with a Disability (NCPPD) is in the early stages of developing A Place to Call Home and its associated Guidance Notes - a rights-based model for all adults with a disability, supporting people of any age to live, age and thrive in their own communities. Together, this work will set out, in a clear and practical way, the full range of community-based alternatives to nursing home admission for people under 65.
Grounded in the Programme’s commitment to preventing unnecessary institutionalisation and enabling adults with a disability to exercise their right to live in the community rather than in long-term residential care, in accordance with their will and preference, the Programme is identifying the key supports, pathways and services required to uphold this right. This includes personalised supports, appropriate and accessible housing, enhanced home support, personal assistance, rehabilitation pathways and strengthened cross-sector collaboration — all central elements of the emerging model.
As the work progresses, the Programme will bring together research, data, stakeholder input and alignment with National reforms across health, disability, housing and social care to produce a clear, evidence-informed picture of the community options needed to ensure that adults with a disability can live independently and participate fully in society.
160. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement her Department has had with the Department of Health on the proposed implementation of the single point of access model; whether a written protocol has been developed or agreed setting out the way disputes between primary care, children's disability network teams and CAMHS are to be resolved where services differ on the appropriate care pathway for a child; the person or body that has final decision-making authority in such cases [28746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive is introducing a Single Point of Access referral model in 2026 for child and youth health referrals.
This will make it easier for families to be referred to the right service or services at an early stage - whether that is a Children's Disability Network Team, a Primary Care Service, and/or a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
As a result, children will not be put on multiple waiting lists or passed from one service to another.
The Single Point of Access referral model will be supported by the Health Service Executive’s Community Care Record, which will enable the administration and delivery of services within and across community healthcare settings.
Engagement between Department officials and officials from the Department of Health on the Single Point of Access referral model has taken place at meetings of the Cross-Sectoral Group on Disability Issues for Children and Young People.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the implementation of the Single Point of Access, with a National Oversight Group and six Regional Implementation Groups leading the programme.
Six regional workshops were delivered across September and October 2025, to share early learnings, drive momentum, and develop Regional Implementation Plans, which were reviewed and approved by the Health Service Executive’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Single Point of Access referral model across all six Regions will be achieved through resourcing, partnership and collaboration, and the design and development of a single integrated pathway and streamlined referrals process.
A nationally standardised referral form has been finalised by the Health Service Executive. It is now being digitised to optimise the referral pathway and timelines for signposting each child to the service or services most appropriate to meet their needs.
A finalised protocol setting out dispute resolution between Primary Care Services, Children's Disability Network Teams and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, has not been received by the Department from the Health Service Executive. As this relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
161. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress made on the issues raised by a group (details supplied) since meeting with the group in January 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government acknowledges the ongoing work of the Before We Die group, in advocating for increases in the provision of residential services for people with disabilities and to bring awareness to the issues many of the parents involved are facing. We know there is a significant amount of unmet demand for additional residential services and we are working on adding supply both this year and significantly ramping up supply over the lifetime of this government, whilst also trying to make the system easier to navigate.
I wish to recognise the vital work carried out by family carers, while acknowledging the impact on carers' physical and mental health. Most importantly, I wish to recognise the voices of those with disabilities and the importance of listening to their wishes for their own futures.
This Government and the HSE acknowledges that there are challenges with both service provision and waiting times, however, it is committed to continually working with families and staff to progressively develop and provide appropriate services to enable individuals with a disability to achieve their full potential and maximise independence.
The implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 are central to ensuring independent living housing outcomes for disabled people. The provision of housing for disabled people in conjunction with supports is the cornerstone of supporting independent living for disabled people.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, DCDE, is engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Authority, and the HSE, to find new ways to respond to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will work in collaboration with a number of other Departments and agencies including the HSE and Local Authorities, to advance Pillar 3 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which outlines the provision of a clear pathway for disabled people to access the supports they require to live independently and overcome societal barriers.
As of February 2026, approximately 90 service providers are delivering 8,927 specialist disability places. Since 2020, additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of an additional 982 residential places for people with disabilities.
These placements largely support people moving from their family home to a residential service and are in addition to supporting transitions of people from congregated settings into the community and people under the age of 65 out of nursing homes and into more appropriate community-based homes.
Budget 2026 has provided approximately €3.9 billion in funding for Specialist Disability Services. Specialist disability residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, almost 60% (€2.2bn) of the total budget.
€65m has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40m of funding that will provide in the region of 199 residential responses. This includes 152 newly created residential placements as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026, including 72 planned places and 80 places to meet urgent, unplanned need.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is working closely with the HSE to achieve a more balanced response to the demand for residential placements and move towards planned provision and away from unplanned responses where possible. HSE regions are working collaboratively with voluntary service providers in each Integrated Healthcare Area to identify and prioritise individuals, in an effort to ensure plans are in place before a crisis arises.
In February 2026, The HSE’s Capital Plan 2026 was published, detailing €43 million in capital investment for Disability Services, an increase of €16million compared with 2025. 2026 brings the first of a five-year investment plan supported by €278 million in funding through the National Development Plan.
In the context of the increased investment in Disability Services in 2026, the HSE is examining a number of additional disability projects which may be added to the Capital Plan during the year. In doing so, the HSE will take into account the need for regional balance and to ensure an appropriate blend across service areas, in addition to housing provision by the Local Authorities.
162. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a review into childminding regulations will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla.
The childminding-specific Regulations are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations differ substantially from regulations for centre-based childcare.
Childminders were consulted on and involved in all aspects of the development of the regulations. Both the Steering Group for the National Action Plan for Childminding, and the Advisory Groups that have supported it, have included childminders, as well as representatives of Childminding Ireland.
The 2024 Act, under which the timeframes are established, provides for a transition period of three years, to September 2027, before registration becomes mandatory. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
The Department has committed to undertake a review of the initial implementation of the Childminding-specific Regulations during the transition period. The review will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders. The review will provide an important opportunity to learn lessons from initial experiences with the regulations.
As I have said previously, the review will commence as early as possible in 2026. The timing of the review is crucial. In addition to hearing from childminders who have not yet registered, it is important that the review adequately captures, and benefits from, the experiences of those who have registered and been through the registration process and who have operated within the new Regulations.
The Steering Group for the National Action Plan for Childminding, which includes individual childminders as well as representatives of Childminding Ireland, met on 24 March, when they reviewed a new Communications Plan devised to strengthen engagement and registration of childminders.
The Steering Group also reviewed plans for the Review of the Initial Implementation of the Childminding Regulations, which we hope to commence shortly.
163. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the review of the 2001 planning guidelines for local authorities on early learning and childcare settings, in order to increase childcare supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Childcare Facilities were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These guidelines, which remain in operation, are intended to ensure a consistent approach to the treatment of planning applications in respect to the land use planning aspects of early learning and childcare provision.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing the guidelines to ensure early learning and childcare spaces are provided and put into use. The Planning and Development Act 2024 and the revised National Planning Framework, along with the ongoing work on Shaping the Future, the Phase 2 action plan for the development of the early learning and childcare sector, provide a strong basis from which to pursue this work.
In order to progress the Programme for Government commitment, an Early Learning and Childcare Planning Matters Working Group was established in 2024 and has met a number of times since then. It includes officials from the Department; the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage; and the Department of Education and Youth.
Members of the Group have also met with local authority planning officials, nominated by the County and City Management Association Planning and Land Use Committee to identify important considerations for the review. These considerations include ensuring that buildings developed on foot of the guidelines meet the needs of the local population and are fit for purpose; and balancing the need to ensure sufficient provision for children and families, regardless of the size or housing type of the development, with ensuring that buildings are effectively operated as intended.
These issues will inform a wider engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders which is currently at planning stage.
Separately, the Department has being liaising with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the planning process as set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. I can advise that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability will be designated as a prescribed body to be notified by local authorities of planning applications that might give rise to a change in the demand for early learning and childcare provision.
I will continue to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss how best to support the implementation of the existing guidelines and inform the drafting of revised guidance under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.
164. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which the feedback received under the 'Let’s Talk Early Years' initiative will directly influence the phase 2 actions of the Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan to ensure a tangible increase in childcare places and a reduction in parental fees to the promised €200 monthly maximum by 2027 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the National Conversation on Education: the First 5 years and School-Age Childcare, the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (DCDE) is undertaking a public consultation process on the future of early learning and care and school-age childcare (including childminders). The consultation process has a number of channels which allow for the participation of a wide range of stakeholders:
• A national online survey on ELC and SAC (now closed) which received over 11,000 responses.
• A survey of a nationally representative sample of parents. This is a telephone poll of a representative sample of 500 households with children under 14 which asks parents about their experiences and perspectives on early learning and childcare.
• An art engagement exercise with children.
• Approximately 50 local consultation events that are taking place between 20-30 April, organised with the City and County Childcare Committees. At least one event is taking place per county.
• A national consultation event that will take place in June: The Shaping the Future National Forum: Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare (details of which will be released soon).
In addition, it should be noted that the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF) continues to be the main consultation mechanism between this Department's ELC/SAC Division and the stakeholders in the ELC/SAC sector, and this will remain the case throughout the development of Shaping the Future Phase 2. The main focus of upcoming ELCSF meetings will be consultation on the development of Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan.
The local consultation events seek the views of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers, other stakeholders, and community members. During the consultation events, stakeholders have an opportunity to make their voices heard on the next steps in improving early learning and care and school-age childcare across the country.
The consultation process addresses all aspects of early learning and care and school-age childcare – affordability, access, and quality.
Responses given during the consultation events will be analysed and collated by an independent consultant and all views will be recorded and taken into consideration. The findings will then be used to inform both Phase 2 of Shaping the Future—the Government’s Early Years Action Plan—and the successor to the First 5 Strategy, Ireland’s Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.
165. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to increase the provision of Irish-medium early years services in south Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29217/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year. Enrolments in Kildare during this time increased by 26%.
Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 indicates that, nationally, 4% of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) services are wholly Irish-medium, while 3% are mixed settings where part of the service is Irish-medium part is English-medium. These figures have remained consistent since 2022/23.
The Department is working in collaboration with other relevant Departments and Agencies to develop a national plan to further the development of Irish language provision in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector. The development of such a plan is a commitment in the 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language.
The national plan is expected to support the delivery of two commitments in First 5 (the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families): “Introduce measures to ensure that children in Gaeltacht areas have access to Irish-medium ELC provision” and “Develop mechanisms to provide Irish-language supports to ELC provision where there are high proportions of children who are learning through the medium of Irish”.
The plan is also expected to support the delivery of commitments in the Programme for Government to: “Support naíonraí and creches to ensure early education access in Gaeltacht communities and beyond” and “Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish-medium naíonraí”.
A survey of Irish-medium ELC and SAC settings including childminders was undertaken in 2022-2023 to obtain a baseline of the current level of Irish-medium provision in the sector, to inform the development of the national plan. A public consultation and a programme of research, including a literature review, took place in 2024. A consultation with children has also recently been completed. It is expected the plan will be launched in the coming months.
166. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the action she has taken to improve supports for disabled entrepreneurs and self-employed people. [28233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting all disabled people to access and progress within their chosen career paths, including those that involve self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 sets out a coordinated whole-of-government approach to progressively advance the rights of disabled people across several key policy areas, including education, employment, independent living, health, mobility and transport.
In line with the mainstream first approach set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the collaborative cross-government framework of the Strategy, several Government departments and relevant public bodies are leading on the delivery of the commitments and priority actions that lie within their respective remits.
My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading on the implementation of a significant priority action to promote inclusion and accessibility in entrepreneurship through the Local Enterprise Offices. This action involves the adaption of content and delivery methods, as well as standardised training tailored to meet the needs of disabled clients. A further commitment under the Employment Pillar that is being progressed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is the development of effective employer outreach initiatives and measures aimed at supporting employers to hire and progress the careers of disabled people throughout the private sector.
The Employment Pillar also advances a wide range of actions that aim to provide the right supports at the right time for disabled people to access work or return to work. My colleague, the Minister for Social Protection is leading on the delivery of several actions under this pillar, including the expansion of already existing programmes (WorkAbility, Employability and the Work and Access Programme) and increasing the number of Dedicated Disability Employment Advisors that can offer the appropriate level of support to disabled jobseekers. Other actions will focus on removing disincentives to employment, these include reforming the Disability Allowance payment and reviewing the retention of secondary benefits in cases where disabled people take up employment.
Taken collectively, the commitments and priority actions under both the Education and Employment pillars of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, aim to address the barriers faced by disabled people in accessing suitable and meaningful employment and progressing within their chosen career paths.
The Strategy will be delivered across three two-year Programme Plans of Actions. The First Programme Plan of Actions 2025-2026 was published in December 2025 and it outlines the Key Performance Indicators and the individual government departments and state agencies responsible for planning and delivering the commitments that come under their remit across all of its five pillars.
I look forward to working with colleagues across government in delivering on these commitments and priority actions over the coming year and throughout the lifetime of this Strategy.
167. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the measures being taken to reduce the administrative burden on childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSimplify and Support, the Action Plan for Simplification was published in December 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on early learning and childcare providers.
Simplify and Support focuses on a vision to create an early learning and childcare sector where administrative and regulatory requirements are simple, transparent and proportionate - improving access to programmes and schemes for children and parents and enabling providers, early years educators and school-age practitioners to focus on delivering high-quality early learning and childcare - while ensuring the highest standards of child safety, high-quality experiences and accountability for Exchequer funding.
The Action Plan focuses on eight key objectives:
1. Simplify the programmes and schemes
2. Streamline and align regulatory and compliance requirements
3. Upgrade the digital system and improve user experience
4. Embed ‘Once-only’ data capture
5. Clear, consolidated, accessible guidance
6. Strengthen provider capacity and sector supports
7. Enhance coordination and alignment between agencies
8. Simplify processes and reduce administrative requirements on parents
Implementation of Simplify and Support is being led by the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, supported by a Cross Sectoral Group providing oversight. The Cross Sectoral Group, which is current being convened, will establish a set of key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of simplification efforts and will publish an annual report of progress.
Some key projects currently underway this year include:
• An independent review of financial compliance checks associated with programmes and schemes to identify opportunities for automation, rationalisation, elimination and/or standardisation;
• An independent review of options for a long-term digital system for early learning and childcare.
• The development of a single set of comprehensive regulations covering all centre-based services, replacing the existing early learning and care and school-age childcare regulations with a single combined set of regulations.
There are also steps being taken ahead of the new programme year to identify opportunities for automation, rationalisation, elimination and/or standardisation of administrative tasks associated with the early learning and childcare programmes, with planning ongoing to consolidate AIM, AIM Plus and AIM Non-Term applications into one application for programme year 2026/2027.
168. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will take steps to lower the costs of childcare to affordable levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29192/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraShaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan, Phase 1 report (published on the 17 of December 2025) sets out measures to achieve key Programme for Government commitments on the affordability, quality, and accessibility of early learning and care and school-age childcare. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for a broad public consultation and analysis on longer-term actions.
In September 2025, maximum fee caps were extended to all Partner Services in Core Funding. Budget 2026 also enables Core Funding to continue to support fee-control measures. It will ensure fees remain at 2021 levels for a majority of providers.
A central objective of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees to an upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. However, this objective cannot be achieved through the National Childcare Scheme alone. The fee-freeze and maximum fee-caps required for Core Funding have been key to the progress in recent years in making early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services more affordable.
The Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future sets out actions which will be carried out in 2026 using existing policy tools. 2026 actions on affordability will include further reduction in some of the highest fees paid by parents by lowering the maximum fees that Core Funding Partner Services can charge. In addition, from autumn 2026 we will reduce fees for lower-income families through the National Childcare Scheme.
Phase 1 of the Action Plan includes:
• An increase to the lower (base) income threshold of the income-assessed subsidy from €26,000 to €34,000, to ensure that families with incomes below the relative income poverty line receive the maximum subsidies.
• An increase to the upper income threshold (income limit) of the income-assessed subsidy from €60,000 to €68,000, to extend income-assessed subsidies to more families.
• An increase to the multiple child deduction (MCD) component of the income-assessed subsidy for families with two children under the age of 15 from €4,300 to €5,500, and for families with three or more children under the age of 15 from €8,600 to €11,000
Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 to 2029. While we need to make progress quickly, the actions we take must be sustainable, underpinned by public consultation and research, and delivered in a way that supports families, the workforce and service providers. That is why a broad public consultation process is currently underway. An online survey has been completed, with more than 11,000 responses. Approximately 50 local consultation events are taking place between the 20 - 30 April 2026 and are being organised with the City and County Childcare Committees.
Results of this consultation process, as well as additional analysis, will inform Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 to 2029. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for the broad public consultation and analysis on longer-term actions, which will be set out in a second report, to be published by the end of 2026.
169. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on her engagement regarding possible charges of commercial rates to childminders and ECCE providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have met with my Cabinet colleague, Housing Minister Browne, on several occasions to discuss this matter, and I am hopeful that a satisfactory resolution can be reached.
I wish to remind the Deputy that the matter of commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare providers does not fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, and the Department has no role in determining which properties are rateable.
The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of Tailte Éireann, formerly the Commissioner of Valuation. Tailte Éireann falls under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Furthermore, the billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority; the Department of Children has no function in that regard.
Engagement is ongoing with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Tailte Éireann. As I have stated previously to the Deputy, I am committed to furnishing her with an update once there is clarity on this matter. I am hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon.
I believe childminders should not have their homes assessed for commercial rates. As I have stated previously, my understanding is that childminders are only likely to be charged rates if they have space dedicated solely to their childminding business, and that the large majority of childminders – who use the normal family rooms in the house for childminding – are therefore unlikely to be charged rates. We continue to seek clarity on this and will issue a clear message to childminders once this has been achieved.
170. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to consider Dublin 15 in the first round of projects under the State-led childcare programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
€135 million of capital investment will be available over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
A forward planning model has been developed by officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to better understand the nature of supply/demand misalignment and to inform decision making about capital investment. Analysis is ongoing of the data in this model in order to identify areas of greatest undersupply.
The forward planning model maps publicly-subsidised provision by service type and age group of children against the numbers of children in the corresponding age bracket in the local area and allows for granular and specific analysis to be undertaken.
As well as the forward planning model, a suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the potential alignment of projects with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects in the State-led early learning and childcare programme, so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project, including in Dublin 15, should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee. Contact details for City/County Childcare Committees can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
171. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the procedures in place within her Department that ensures that significant population growth in an area is matched with additional childcare capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27969/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to expand affordable childcare places in rural communities in Mayo where demand exceeds supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
A forward planning model has been developed by officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to better understand the interaction of early learning and childcare supply and demand at local area level and to inform decision making about capital investment.
Work is continuing on the next stages of development of the forward planning model, which will incorporate future demographic trends and new housing developments, among other features.
Estimates of current and future unmet early learning and childcare need can vary significantly depending on assumptions made regarding target or required participation levels and the population projection source and scenario applied.
Aggregated childcare demand and capacity data, including data on enrolments, vacancies and waiting lists, is available on the Pobal website. Data on population and on expected future trends in population is available from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the ESRI.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is supporting the development of early learning and childcare capacity through a range of funding schemes, including Core Funding which was introduced in 2022 and has supported the expansion of capacity in the sector by 25% over three years.
Capital funding is also supporting expansion of capacity through both the Building Blocks Extension Grant Schemes and the State-led early learning and childcare capital programme.
A new Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme has just been launched which will make available €10 million to support existing operators to expand their provision. The State-led early learning and childcare capital programme will invest €135 million in buildings in the coming five years to support the expansion of provision.
Local City and County Childcare Committees are supporting projects for the Building Blocks scheme and for the State-led early learning and childcare programme.
172. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on developing State-led early learning and childcare facilities; the number of project proposals received from north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with programme objectives. One of the programme objectives is to ensure cost effectiveness and timeliness of delivery and the criteria for assessment of this objective include the readiness of projects to deliver.
The Department has received project proposals from a number of sources since the programme was launched which, along with projects which the Department was aware of prior to the programme launching, includes 82 potential projects across the country to date. This includes 13 projects located in Dublin City and 7 projects located Fingal.
These projects are in very different stages of development. Some relate to existing buildings ready to occupy or fit out, while others are longer-term prospects for future years. Not all proposals align with the programme objectives and some may be funded by other means including the next round of Building Blocks. Some projects are proposed by an existing early learning and childcare service provider, while others relate to a building or property only and a separate process to identify an operator would be required.
The Department is aware that this is not an exhaustive number of all projects that could form part of this programme of investment and will continue to seek potential projects for consideration.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, anyone who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees
173. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she is aware that there is currently a 36 month waiting list for assessment of need in Cork. [28234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a priority for the Government. There has been intensive work by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that he/she may have a disability, for anyone born after 1st June 2002. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. The impact of this increased demand has contributed to there being over 20,200 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025 according to the most recently available HSE data.
While the average duration of the assessment process per report completed in Q4 2025 was reported by the HSE as 26.14 months nationally, we do not receive this data by county or region. The HSE does not provide data on the average wait time per assessment, which varies between regions and is dependent on the needs and case of each individual child.
The HSE does not provide data on a county basis, but by Regional Health Area (RHA) and Local Health Office (LHO). The most recent data for the Local Health Offices in Cork shows that a total of 1,751 AON reports are overdue for completion as of Q4 2025. This number reflects the high number of applications for an Assessment of Need in these LHOs, with 2,056 applications received in 2025 and 1,568 in 2024.
More positively, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed nationally in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024. This improvement is reflected in the Cork regions although not to the same extent.
In December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An FAQ document has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
174. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the application by Glanmire, County Cork to the recently announced public childcare fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for 1–3-year-old children, with capacity for these children to continue in the service until they start school, because this is where the need is greatest. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural areas and urban areas which are not well served at the moment.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with programme objectives. Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects. In the first instance, anyone who might have a suitable premises or project is requested to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee.
Cork City CCC has submitted a preliminary appraisal form relating to a project located in Glanmire which, along with other preliminary appraisal forms currently received, is under consideration at the moment.
No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects, but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
